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English to be taught throughout undergraduate years

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The move is part of 13 resolutions that were taken in the just concluded 15th National Leaders Retreat.

Speaking to the media yesterday, Education Minister, Dr. Eugene Mutimura said that for quality education to flourish, both students and lecturers should have a good mastery of the language.

“We have a challenge where high school leavers are not fluent in the English language. It becomes a collision course when they enter university or go to work in private companies,” he said.

He said that the Ministry is targeting to build proficiency in writing and speaking skills of the English language right from lower levels.

“This requires us to harness languages teaching schemes, especially Kinyarwanda in primary, but most specifically how children are taught English in secondary and University for them to be able to graduate with fluent skills,” he explained.

“University students used to sit for English exam in first year only, but we want them to sit for it in second, third and fourth years. They should also pass it well before they graduate,” he added.

Mutimura (L) speaks to the media yesterday

Comments

2 responses to “English to be taught throughout undergraduate years”

  1. Barayagwiza! Avatar
    Barayagwiza!

    Ngo English throughout Undegradraduate years?
    What and Why? Because high school leavers do not speak English fluently? Is Tertiary education a level for learning languages (especially to those who don’t pursue language related courses?) It’s no wonder that our education system is doomed to hit rock bottom in the coming years in case policy makers do not observe, with intent, what the standards they’re setting up will lead to.
    You know well that University is a level during which one specializes in the field(s) of their choice. So if any one wants to succeed in their concentration area, they’ll learn all it requires to including the language(s) for defense of their theses. If English is one or the only language required to properly defend one’s thesis, why will they not work hard to be fluent at it yet they know well that without it they’ll not excel?
    What I think is essential here is investment in necessary facilities to enable students study uninterruptedly, qualified professors to guide them in their courses of study and, note this: well versed professors who will filter out students so that they join the job market with capacity to out compete or work alongside those who are already there.

    Reply
  2. Rwizihira Avatar
    Rwizihira

    It’s very much worthwhile to teach English at University but, in my opinion, it should not be made a major course for non-language students.

    Reply

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